News From Nigeria
Julius Berger commits to Renewed Hope Climate Change Awareness Tour
Leading engineering construction company, Julius Berger Nigeria PLC has joined forces with the Renewed Hope Climate Change Awareness Tour, a national initiative aimed at promoting climate resilience and sustainable development across Nigeria to further the goals of the project. The initiative was inaugurated inside the State House Conference Centre, Abuja Tuesday.
Speaking at the event, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu who was represented by the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, urged governors, Organised Private Sector actors and fellow stakeholders to lead Nigeria’s climate transition, transforming awareness into practical action at all levels while calling on governors, private sector leaders, and stakeholders to accelerate Nigeria’s transition to a resilient, low-carbon economy.
Tinubu, said climate change was not only a risk but also an opportunity for innovation, growth, and national development.
“Today we inaugurate a movement, the Renewed Hope Climate Change Awareness Tour. It is a national call to action, a call to innovation, opportunity, and sustainable development for all Nigerians,” Tinubu said.
Stressing that Nigeria stood at a defining moment as the global transition to low-carbon development accelerated, the President said, “capital is shifting, markets are evolving, and technology is transforming industries. Nigeria intends to lead tomorrow.”
He explained that the tour would take climate awareness beyond conference halls into communities, engaging governors, traditional rulers, students, innovators, entrepreneurs, farmers, and financial institutions nationwide. By so doing, he added that, bankable projects will be identified, local solutions unlocked, climate finance capacity strengthened, and partnerships between the public and private sectors mobilise.
To the stakeholders, the President said that nationally determined contributions were commitments to reduce emissions, enhance resilience, and safeguard communities, saying, “commitments must be matched with action, supported by investment, and this tour bridges that gap.”
He further tasked young Nigerians to take ownership of the climate transition, stressing that their ideas, technology, and entrepreneurship would shape the nation’s future while aligning with the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Said he, “climate resilience is national security. Leadership is not a budget; it is a result we must accept with confidence. Nigeria chooses leadership over hesitation,”
Also, the Director of Forestry in the ministry, Halima Bawa, stressed the urgency of confronting climate change, noting its effects, including desert encroachment, flooding, coastal erosion, and erratic rainfall affecting farmers.
Lawal lauded the Climate Change Act 2021 for establishing a legal framework for coordinated climate governance, carbon budgeting, and a pathway to net-zero emissions by 2060, institutionalising climate action across sectors.
Special Assistant to the President on Climate Change Matters, Yussuf Kelani, said the tour represented a national movement grounded in leadership, collaboration, and commitment to Nigeria’s environmental and economic security.
Kelani, Chairman of the REHCCAT Committee, said the initiative sought to democratise climate knowledge, align federal and state-level action with Nigeria’s NDCs, and mobilise partnerships, green jobs, and climate finance.
Guest Speaker, Prof. Babajide Alo, emphasised that climate resilience required locally led adaptation, community empowerment, and capacity-building to actively manage climate risks and implement sustainable solutions.
“Securing Nigeria’s climate future requires revisiting priorities and lifestyles, embracing responsible consumption, reducing carbon footprints, and embedding sustainable development in every sector,” Alo said, calling for action at all levels.
For Julius Berger Nigeria PLC, the Chief Risk Officer, Mrs Shakira Mustapha said the target of well-wishers of Nigeria is a net zero emission by 2060.
We commit to achievement of the goals. We are committed to it; and we will continue to innovate to achieve environmental-friendly operations to align with Federal government goal on sustainability, she said; adding, we will continue to support the movement to achieve these set goals.
Last September, Nigeria submitted its NDC 3.0, committing to reduce Green House Gas, GHG emissions by 32% by 2035. Nigeria has now committed to reducing Green House Gas by 29% by 2030 and 32% by 2035 compared to 2018 levels.
In attendance at the event were top government functionaries including presidential aides and key private sector drivers, including a strong delegation from Julius Berger Nigeria PLC.
According to REHCCAT, the Key Sectoral Goals of the Tour include: to achieve a 60% reduction in fugitive emissions (leaks and venting) from the oil and gas industry; a major focus with a mitigation potential of 27.3 Mt CO2e and achieve 52% of on-grid and off-grid generation capacity from renewable energy sources.
Other Key Sectoral Goals include; replacing power generation of 100% diesel and single-cycle steam turbines with combined-cycle turbines by 2030, reduce tree cutting by 60% and transition 30% of vehicles by 2035.
Declaring that the aforementioned goals require $337 billion in investment by 2035, REHCCAT stressed that “we don’t have a Plan B, because we don’t have a Planet B,” even as it called on the private sector to contribute through innovation to accelerate the transition to a low-carbon economy.
The Awareness Tour has been scheduled to visit all six geographical zones in the country to promote awareness of climate change across Nigeria.
AKOGATE, CANAANLAND CLUB SUSTAIN PLANS FOR INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY
Preparations for the one-day golf training for kids in Nigeria are in top gear, says Chief Executive Officer of Akogate Group, Hon Felix Aganbi.
‘’This year, 50 children will take part in the golf training scheduled to begin from 7:00am on March 8, 2026, in Koko, Delta State’’ Aganbi said Monday morning.
The high-level training is expected to attract local and foreign golf scouts.
‘’Golf scouts, officials, fans, professional and amateur players will ensure the kids and parents maintain a respectful and high-quality experience’
A statement from Canaan Land Golf and Country Club, Koko said kids, parents and members of the club would on Sunday, March 8, 2026, celebrate women’s social, cultural, economic and political achievements, call for change and raise awareness against bias.
‘’The International Women’s Day golf training for young people hopes to promote positive youth development through sport and help the children to develop self-worth and resilience, imbibe the virtue of honesty, accountability and justice’’.
‘’Kids, mothers, husbands and others are looking to the Canaan Land golf training and tournament to improve their game through a mixture of physical conditioning, technical skill development and the use of specialized aids’’
Aganbi listed grip, posture, alignment, chipping, putting, strategic thinking, flexibility and mobility, core strength and power as key areas of focus in the golf training.
‘’We have the physical facilities, human and material resources’’ the statement added.
International Women’s Day 2026: Julius Berger set to uplift women
Leading engineering construction company, Julius Berger Nigeria PLC is set to uplift women in celebration of this year’s International Women’s Day scheduled for Sunday, March 8, 2026. The Day is marked across the world on the 8th of March annually to underscore the achievements of women who have progressed and developed the society. On the special day too, women’s interest groups and organisations raise a loud voice for the execution of women’s rights and their security.
At Julius Berger, this year’s International Women’s Day, IWD 2026 will be celebrated across all its Regions nationwide on Friday, March 6, 2026.
Also, in line with this year’s IWD theme, “Give to Gain,” Julius Berger plans to carry out an outreach program to government secondary schools. The company stated that it is planning for two schools in Abuja and one in each of the Regions during the company’s lunch break period to partake in the outreach program on the said date. We will visit selected secondary schools to support and encourage young girls through motivational talk and distribution of gifts and Julius Berger women-volunteers will be part of the team to visit the schools.
Same day Julius Berger plans a webinar featuring a distinguished guest speaker, to be held at 4pm. The session will be open to all staff members to join virtually, the company added.
Put together, the organisers hold that, the entire initiative will reinforce the belief that when we give knowledge, support, and opportunity, we collectively gain a stronger future generation, thus underscoring the theme of the 2026 IWD; “Give to Gain.”
The IWD was founded in 1911. On March 8 every year, women wear ribbons of purple colour around their wrists; they also use batches and stripes of combined green, purple and white colours.
For gender balancing, every year a theme is presented by the United Nations for the Day. The prevalence of the theme will remain to continue all the yearlong and afterwards for the pursuance of the purpose of Womens’ Day. The Day remains a global day of celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. It also marks a call to action for advancing gender equality.
This year, IWD marks an extraordinary milestone: 115 years of collective action, advocacy, and progress toward gender equality. For more than a century, IWD has helped drive transformative change. Each generation has built on the courage of those before it, pushing boundaries and redefining what is possible. This year, Julius Berger plans to enhance its participation in the IWD for better womenfolk nationwide.
VP Shettima: President Tinubu, Friend Of The Media, Remains Firm Believer Of Press Freedom
The Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, has pledged the Federal Government’s support for the Nigeria Press Council’s national compendium on economic and tourism potentials across Nigeria.
This is as the Vice President described President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as a friend of the media who is a firm believer of independence of the press.
This, he said, explains why the Tinubu administration has, in the past three years, continued to promote an environment that is conducive for journalists to carry out their duties without harassment.
Senator Shettima stated this on Thursday in Abuja when he received a delegation from the Nigeria Press Council (NPC) led by its Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Dr. Dili Ezughah, on a courtesy visit to the Presidential Villa.
Noting that President Tinubu has remained a friend of the media, the Vice President recalled how the President had used his personal resources to assist media organizations.
According to him, people have been making libelous and provocative utterances, with incisive vituperations, against the administration and are allowed to get away with them because the President is very tolerant.
“The President is a friend of the media. He used to assist them from his personal resources, with newsprints and other support mechanisms. He is also a publisher. So, he knows the ecosystem very well, and he believes in the independence of the press.
“For the past three years, have you heard of any harassment of journalists? His tolerance threshold is so high that people who are making incendiary remarks are allowed to have their day for peace to reign in the country,” he stated.
Pledging presidential support for the Council’s bid to get official national endorsement of the publication it is currently working on, VP Shettima also promised to appeal to governors of the 36 states of the federation to key into the project.
“The subnationals own the land, own the people. Their role is very pivotal in really pushing this country forward,” he stated, emphasizing why a buy-in from the governors is pivotal to the book project.
The VP further noted that the national compendium titled, “Nigeria: Documenting the Economic and Tourism Profiles of the 36 States and the FCT,” is a welcome development, expressing hope that the publication would sell Nigeria to the world.
“If you go to other countries, you will see similar books at the airport stands. In terms of the quality of the job, the writings are so top-notch that we can embrace it as our national treasure, and see to it that it is massively printed and circulated to our embassies,” the VP observed.
Earlier, the Minister of Art, Culture, and the Creative Economy, Barr. Hannatu Musa Musawa, thanked the Vice President for his continued leadership and support for initiatives that strengthen Nigeria’s economic and cultural positioning.
According to her, the publication is particularly significant for the tourism and creative economy sectors, as Nigeria’s tourism assets, cultural heritage, and creative industries represent major drivers of economic diversification.
She, however, explained that for these sectors to attract investment and gain global recognition, they must be documented and presented in a structured and credible format such as the compendium, thereby bringing visibility to Nigeria’s cultural sites, tourism destinations, creative hubs, and heritage assets across all thirty-six states and the Federal Capital Territory.
Also, Bauchi State Deputy Governor, Mohammed Auwal Jatau, on behalf of the state Governor, Bala Mohammed, expressed gratitude to the country’s leadership, noting that if the document is approved, every state is likely to benefit based on its respective tourism potential.
For his part, the Executive Secretary of the NPC, Dr. Ezughah, expressed gratitude to the Vice President for granting an audience to the NPC Planning Committee while acknowledging his consistent support for sub-national economic development and national coordination.
He explained that the national compendium being developed spotlights Nigeria’s economic and tourism profiles and requires the Vice President’s strategic direction on the document.
Stanley Nkwocha
Senior Special Assistant to The President on Media & Communications
(Office of The Vice President)
26th February, 2026
PRESIDENT TINUBU EXCITED AT ESTABLISHMENT OF LIFC, SAYS SANWO-OLU
The Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has disclosed that President Bola Tinubu is very excited about the establishment of the proposed Lagos International Financial Centre (LIFC).
Governor Sanwo-Olu made the disclosure on Sunday evening during the welcome dinner in honour of the delegates at the Nigeria Foreign Direct Investment Training Programme holding at the Moller Institute, University of Cambridge, England.
The training is at the behest of the Lagos International Financial Centre, organised by TheCityUK, and funded by the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office of the United Kingdom.
In his opening remarks, Governor Sanwo-Olu said the stakeholders should be proud that President Tinubu is in support of the establishment of the Lagos International Financial Centre.
Governor Sanwo-Olu, who is the Chairman of the Lagos International Financial Centre Council, said LIFC is not about any particular person or region but about the country to position Nigeria in global space.
He said: “President Tinubu is aware of this meeting and our activity. He was very excited when I spoke with him for almost one hour yesterday (Saturday). He is really expecting a memo from us on this, a high-level paper just to ventilate his thought process. He wants to take leadership and ownership of it, which we all can expect.
“We should be thankful that we have a President who can see very quickly and support what we are trying to build, the idea we are trying to conceive and the growth we are trying to give the country. So under his leadership, we all should be proud that if we get this, which we will by God’s grace given the calibre of the turnout, we will get to the final line.
“We have actually been changing the face of many things, and it is a starting point. I think in the next two days, we are going to further ventilate the idea. It is not about any particular person or region; it is about the country and the conversation on how big the country is that will need to use that platform to position the country in that global space where people can truly know that we are serious.”
Governor Sanwo-Olu commended the commitment of major stakeholders in the LIFC project, which included international organisations, top officials of the Federal Government and Lagos State Government, members of the National Assembly, regulatory agencies and the EnterpriseNGR.
Also speaking, the co-chairman of the LIFC Council, Mr. Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, expressed confidence about the establishment of the Lagos International Financial Centre based on the calibre of stakeholders behind the project.
Aig-Imoukhuede, who commended the unity and commitment of the key stakeholders to the LIFC project, reiterated the dedication of the private sector, saying, “Over the last few days, they have been getting us to see beyond what we are accepting to see and to think really big. It is very motivating to all of us in the private sector.”
The high level training is currently holding at the Moller Institute, University of Cambridge and participants include the Chairman of LIFC, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, his co-Chairman, Mr. Aigboje Aig-Imokhuede, Senators Tokunboh Abiru, Adamu Aliero and Sadiq Umar Abubakar, Director General of the Securities and Exchange Commission, Dr. Emomotimi Agama, CEO of Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC), Ms Aisha Rimi, representatives of the Central Bank of Nigeria and other Senior Government officials.
SIGNED
GBOYEGA AKOSILE
SPECIAL ADVISER – MEDIA AND PUBLICITY
FEBRUARY 23, 2026
BREAKING: LIRS EXTENDS DEADLINE FOR FILING OF ANNUAL RETURNS TO FEBRUARY 7, 2026
The Lagos State Internal Revenue Service (LIRS) has extended the deadline for filing of employers’ annual tax returns by one week, from February 1 to February 7, 2026.
In a statement issued on Friday, the Executive Chairman of LIRS, Dr. Ayodele Subair, explained that the statutory deadline for filing of employers’ annual tax returns is January 31, every year. He noted that the extension is intended to provide employers with additional time to complete and submit accurate tax returns.
Dr. Subair stated that employers must give priority to the timely filing of their annual returns, noting that compliance should be embedded as a routine business practice.
He also reiterated that electronic filing through the LIRS eTax platform remains the only approved method for submitting annual returns, as manual filings have been completely phased out. Employers are therefore required to file their returns exclusively through the LIRS eTax portal: https://etax.lirs.net.
Describing the platform as secure, user-friendly, and accessible 24/7, Dr. Subair advised employers to ensure that the TaxID (Tax Identification Number) of all employees is correctly captured in their submissions.
For further enquiries or assistance, employers may visit any LIRS office or contact the Service through the following channels:
Signed
Monsurat Amasa-Oyelude
Head, Corporate Communications, LIRS
Justice Maryann Anenih of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT High Court, Maitama, Abuja on Tuesday, January 20, 2026 frowned at the antics of the defence counsel to waste time in the trial of former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman.
Mamman and seven others, namely, Mustapha Abubakar Bida, Joseph Omotayo Adewunmi, Ben Nsikak, Stephen Ojo, Oladipo Adebowale, Michael Achua and Ogunjobi Olusila are standing trial on a nine-count charge, bordering on conspiracy, false pretence and intent to defraud to the tune of N31,070,541,349.64 (Thirty-one Billion, Seventy Million, Five Hundred and Forty-one Thousand, Three Hundred and Forty-nine Naira, Sixty-four Kobo).
Reacting to the counsel to the second defendant, Temitayo Sonuyi, SAN’s objection to the commencement of trial, owing to his application before the court on the issue of jurisdiction which he wanted to be determined before going ahead with the trial, Justice Anenih stated that the prayers in the affidavit, brought by the counsel were not ripe for hearing as she will need time to read it before delivering her ruling.
“I have listened to both parties, however, reading the prayers, I cannot take the prayers in the application when I have not seen or read it. It is not ripe for hearing at this point and the final process is not in the case file before me. If you want the application to be processed today, the proper thing has to be done earlier because I have to go through the application. I cannot come here and sit down and waste time for nothing to be done today. Counsel please let’s proceed with the trial. When we come during the next adjourned date I can deliver my ruling,” she said.
Earlier in the proceedings, Sonuyi drew the attention of the court to two applications filed on December 5, and 10, 2025, challenging the appropriateness of the charge, and the jurisdiction of the court to entertain the matter.
Responding, prosecution counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN informed the court that the second defendant was served with a counter-affidavit on January 6, 2026, noting that moments ago, his attention was again drawn to the second defendant`s counsel’s response to his January 6, 2026, counter-affidavit. Oyedepo urged the court to commence trial as he was ready to go ahead with the business of the day and with his witnesses in court, adding that in order not to waste the time of the court, the court can hear the application at a later date.
Upon hearing the position of the court, Sonuyi sought the leave of the court to withdraw his affidavit in response to the prosecution’s counter-affidavit, stating that he will do the needful by putting his house in order.
Counsel to the 6th defendant, J. A. Egwaede, informed the court that the counter-affidavit of the prosecution was only served to him in the court and urged the court to grant an adjournment to enable him go through and file his reply.
In her ruling on the matter, Justice Anenih held that since the 6th defendant was only served with the copy of the prosecution’s counter-affidavit, she will grant an adjournment in the interest of justice, as the court is also bound to hear the application for jurisdiction to determine the proceedings of the case.
The matter was adjourned till February18, March 11, 25, 2026 for ruling and continuation of trial.
Media & Publicity
January 20, 2026
President Bola Tinubu congratulates the Nigerian national team, Super Eagles, for Saturday’s bronze medal victory at the 2025 African Cup of Nations.
The President commends the Super Eagles for putting behind them the disappointment of the semi-final loss to host nation Morocco last Wednesday.
The Super Eagles overpowered Egypt, defeating the seven-time AFCON winner, in a penalty shootout after the regular time, in which the Nigerian team dominated.
President Tinubu states that the Super Eagles players, through their victory, have once again demonstrated the determination, persistence, and can-do spirit associated with our country.
The President remarks: “Despite their good run during the tournament, the Eagles lost the semi-final match to Morocco during the penalty shootout last Wednesday, and our people’s hopes of winning the championship were dashed.
“However, our players remained undaunted, and exhibiting the resilience of the Nigerian spirit, their efforts have now paid off.
“We will all be proud of them as they receive their hard-earned bronze medal on Sunday in Rabat, Morocco.
“Thank you, our gallant Super Eagles. Thank you, our national team players. This bronze medal surely feels good like gold.”
Bayo Onanuga
Special Adviser to the President
(Information & Strategy)
January 17, 2026
SERAP sues governors, Wike ‘over failure to account for security votes spending’
Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a lawsuit against Nigeria’s governors and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike “over their failure to account for the spending of billions of naira of public funds in the name of ‘security votes’ by them since 29 May 2023 to guarantee and ensure the security of life and property of Nigerians.”
The suit followed reports of the Benue massacre and well-documented ongoing cases of insecurity in several states and FCT, despite the over N400 billion budgeted yearly as ‘security votes.’ 10 governors reportedly budgeted about N140 billion as security votes in 2026.
In the suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/95/2026 filed last Friday at the Federal High Court in Abuja, SERAP is asking the court to “direct and compel the governors and Mr Wike to disclose the details of the spending of security votes by them since 29 May 2023 to date, which are intended to ensure the security of life and property of Nigerians.”
SERAP is also asking the court to “compel the governors and Mr Wike to provide detailed reports on the allocation and spending of security votes by their states and the FCT, including the information on implementation status and completion reports, and the plans, if any, for improving the security infrastructure in the states and FCT.”
In the suit, SERAP is arguing that, “Nigerians ought to know in what manner public funds including security votes meant to ensure the security of life and property of Nigerians, are spent by the governors and FCT minister.”
SERAP is arguing that, “the escalating insecurity in several states and FCT is taking a devastating toll on socially and economically vulnerable Nigerians, driving up extreme poverty, intensifying hunger and leading to other grave human rights violations.”
SERAP is also arguing that, “Several state governors and FCT minister continue to fail to effectively discharge their primary and constitutional responsibility to protect the lives and property of the Nigerian people.”
According to SERAP, “The framers of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended] never contemplated opaque spending of public funds as security votes.”
SERAP said, “The constitutional principle of democracy also provides a foundation for Nigerians’ right to know the spending details of the money collected in the name of security votes meant to ensure the security of life and property of Nigerians.”
SERAP is arguing that, “Citizens’ right to know promotes openness, transparency, and accountability that is in turn crucial for the country’s democratic order.”
The suit filed on behalf of SERAP by its lawyers Oluwakemi Agunbiade, Andrew Nwankwo, and Valentina Adegoke, read in part: “There is a significant risk of embezzlement, misappropriation or diversion of public funds collected by the states and FCT as security votes.”
“Despite the billions of naira yearly budgeted as security votes, many governors and FCT ministers are grossly failing to guarantee and ensure the security and welfare of the Nigerian people, contrary to section 14(2)(b) of the Nigerian Constitution.”
“Directing the governors and FCT minister to account for security votes spending would serve to engage Nigerians in an honest conversation about the security problems and what the governors and minister are doing to respond to them.”
“The intense secrecy and lack of meaningful oversight of the spending of security votes by governors have for many years contributed to large-scale stealing of public funds.”
“Years of secrecy in the spending of security votes have also limited the ability of the people to hold high-ranking public officials to account for their constitutional responsibility to ensure the security and welfare of the people.”
“There is a legitimate public interest for the governors and the FCT minister to explain how they have spent the security votes they have so far collected.”
“The obligations of state governors and FCT minister to guarantee and ensure the security and welfare of the Nigerian people is interlinked with their responsibility under section 15(5) of the Nigerian Constitution to ‘abolish all corrupt practices and abuse of office’.”
“While authorities may keep certain matters of operational secrets from the people in the name of national security, there is no constitutional or legal basis to hide basic information on public spending from the people.”
“The Supreme Court in a groundbreaking judgment declared that the Freedom of Information Act ‘is applicable and applies to the public records in the Federation’, including those on security votes spending kept by the states and FCT.”
“With the landmark judgment, the Supreme Court has made clear that state governors can no longer hide under their unfounded claim that the Freedom of Information Act does not apply to them.”
“As the Supreme Court has eloquently stated, any freedom of information law by the state is subject to the Freedom of Information Act.”
“The failure by state governors and FCT minister to disclose and account for the spending of security votes is a grave violation of the public trust and the provisions of the Nigerian Constitution, national anticorruption laws, and the country’s international human rights and anticorruption obligations.”
“Pervasive tendency by governors to regard or treat security votes as their personal entitlement or funds is antithetical to the Nigerian Constitution and international standards. Security votes should be used for improving the security situation in the states or returned to the public treasury.”
“Section 13 of the Nigerian Constitution further imposes clear responsibility on the states and FCT to conform to, observe and apply the provisions of Chapter 2 of the constitution.”
“The public interest in publishing the information sought outweighs any considerations to withhold the information.”
“The World Bank recently classified Nigeria as ‘economy in fragile and conflict-affected situations (FCS)’, which explains why the country continues to face severe and persistent development challenges.”
“Other 38 countries classified as FCS alongside Nigeria include Afghanistan, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Libya, Mali, and Sudan. The World Bank noted that insecurity is contributing to extreme poverty in Nigeria.”
“According to the Bank, ‘the outlook for poverty in Nigeria is sobering. Millions of people are currently experiencing acute food insecurity. Severe gaps in education and health undermine human development in the country.’”
“Weak state capacity, insecurity, and conflict-related disruptions contribute to poor outcomes across basic services. Insecurity is escalating and inflicting grave economic damage while contributing to violations of human rights across several states and FCT.”
No date has been fixed for the hearing of the suit.
Kolawole Oluwadare
SERAP Deputy Director
18/01/2026
Lagos, Nigeria
Emails: info@serap-nigeria.org; news@serap-nigeria.org
Twitter: @SERAPNigeria
Website: www.serap-nigeria.org
For more information or to request an interview, please contact us on: +2348160537202
The counsel to Henry Omoile, E.N Offial, who is standing trial with a former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Godwin Emefiele,over an alleged $4.5bn fraud, , on Thursday, January 15, 2026, told Justice Rahman Oshodi of the Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos, that his client was never harassed by the EFCC during interrogation.
Emefiele is currently facing a 19-count charge filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), bordering on receiving gratification and making corrupt demands during his tenure as CBN Governor.
His co-defendant, Omoile, is facing a three- count charge bordering on unlawful acceptance of gifts as an agent.
Both defendants have pleaded “not guilty” to all charges.
At the resumed sitting on Thursday, Omoile’s lawyer, during cross-examination by the prosecution counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo ,SAN, admitted that the defendant was cautioned in his presence and that he signed the caution.
He also admitted participating in the process and that he knew what the second defendant wrote could be used against him in court.
When asked by Oyedepo whether he had complained or filed a petition regarding the investigative team’s alleged conduct, the witness answered in the negative
He also admitted that the Judge who heard the fundamental rights enforcement case did not find the EFCC guilty of any misconduct and that his client was never harassed in his presence.
Earlier in the proceedings, he had falsely accused the EFCC of attempting to pressure his client into implicating the first defendant, Emefiele.
Offial, who was testifying in the trial-within-trial to determine the voluntariness of Omoile’s statement to the EFCC, had claimed that the investigators made various promises to him in exchange for indicting Emefiele.
Offial stated that Omoile told him that the Head of the EFCC team that interrogated him assured him that he would get bail and might not be charged at all if he cooperated by revealing incriminating evidence against the first defendant. All these were later found to be unfounded.
The witness also testified that the Interrogation was conducted in a question-and-answer format, and that his client was required to answer the questions satisfactorily before being allowed to write them on the statement sheet.
Consequently, Justice Oshodi adjourned the matter till January 16 for the continuation of the hearing.
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Media & Publicity
January 15, 2026
Court Orders Interim Forfeiture of $150,000 Linked to Vetifly Global Boss
Justice Yellim Bogoro of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, ordered the interim forfeiture of the sum of $150,000.00 (One Hundred and Fifty Thousand Dollars) linked to one Emmanuel Okoh, Director, Vetifly Global Inc.
The Judge gave the order, following a motion ex parte filed and argued by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC,through its counsel, A.M.Dambuwa.
Moving the application for the interim forfeiture, Dambuwa stated that the petitioner, sometime in February, 2022, invested the sum of $1,500,000.00 ( One Million, Five Hundred Thousand United States Dollars) in the aviation business of Vetifly Global Inc.
He stated that the parties agreed that Return on Investment (ROI) would be 100 percent of the investment sum, which would be paid exactly 365 calendar days from the date of issuance.
He also told the court that Okoh, however, reneged on the terms of agreement and also travelled out of the country, with the investment sum of $1.5m.
According to him, “ All efforts by the petitioner to reach Okoh were unsuccessful, hence he approached the EFCC.
“ Investigation conducted on the “Aircraft Service Agreement” between Velifly Limited and Zejet Limited led to the invitation of the Managing Director of the Xejet Limited, and one Emmanuel Ayuba Iza, who reported and volunteered a statement.
“ In his statement to the Commission, Iza said that Okoh needed Air cargo and he approached Xejet Limited for a partnership through a letter written in July, 2021 for the purpose of cargo air service.
“An agreement named “Aircraft Services Agreement” was later executed between Vetifly Limited and Xejet Limited.
“The aircraft service agreement between Emmanuel Okoh and Xejet Limited is to the effect that Vetifly Limited will provide funding for an air cargo service operation while the Xejet Limited is to provide cargo aircraft and handle the regulatory, operation and technical aspect of the service.
“ On March 2, 2022, the sum of $1,499,990.00 One Million, Four Hundred and Ninety-Nine Thousand, Nine Hundred and Ninety Dollars) was lodged by one REMX Capital Limited belonging to Vetifly Limited.
“The lodgement made to the First Bank account of Vetifly Limited on March 2, 2022 ( the sum of $1,499,990.00 (One Million, Four Hundred and Ninety-Nine Thousand, Nine Hundred and Ninety Dollars) is in correlation with the Swift document submitted by the petitioner.”
He, therefore, prayed the court to grant the application seeking an interim forfeiture of the property, which is reasonably suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities.
In her ruling, Justice Bogoro granted the application, and also directed the Commission to publish the interim order in a national newspaper for any interested party to show cause why the final order of forfeiture should not be made in favour of the Federal Government of Nigeria.
The Judge adjourned the case till February 11, 2026 for a report of compliance.
Media & Publicity
January 15, 2026
Alleged ₦110.4bn Kogi Fraud: EFCC Tenders More Bank Records in Trial of Yahaya Bello
The trial of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Adoza Bello before Justice Maryanne Anineh of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, High Court, Maitama, Abuja continued on Thursday, January 15, 2026 with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC tendering more bank records as evidence.
The EFCC is prosecuting Bello, alongside Umar Shuaibu Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu on a 16-count charge bordering on criminal breach of trust and money laundering to the tune of 1N10.4 billion.
At the resumed trial on Thursday, the prosecution team, led by Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, informed the court that the case was slated for further cross-examination of Prosecution Witness Six (PW6), Mashelia Arhyel Bata, a compliance officer with Zenith Bank, who was present in court.
Cross-examining the witness, counsel to the first and second defendant J.B Daudu SAN requested for Exhibit S1 and asked the witness to clarify his earlier testimony that the statement of account had eight columns. “At the beginning of your testimony, you said there are eight columns in the statement of account. By ‘description,’ what do you mean?” Daudu asked.
Responding, the witness said, “It is the description of the transaction, my Lord. ”Referring to page three of Exhibit S1, the witness explained that the first column showed an entry dated January 20, 2016, with the description: “Cq 158 Abdulsalami Hudu for ₦10,000,000.”
He further pointed out another entry which read: “ZB chq 155 paid Halims Hotels and Tours, Lokoja, ₦2,454,400, my Lord.”
When asked if he knew the purpose for which the ₦10 million collected by Abdulsalami Hudu or the amount paid to Halims Hotels and Tours was used, the witness replied, “I won’t know the purpose the ₦10,000,000 collected by Hudu and equally that of Halims Hotels, how it was spent and for which purpose.
Daudu then requested for Exhibit X1 and asked the witness to confirm whether his attention had been drawn to certain entries in the account.
The witness replied that it was the account opening document of a company with account number 1014878995, domiciled at the Lokoja branch of Zenith Bank.
Daudu further asked the witness to confirm whether there were 21 transactions between March 10 and March 12, 2016. The witness, however, responded that the entries he started with were from November 14, 2016. Directing the witness to December 6, 2016, Daudu asked him to read the entries. The witness stated that the first entry was a transfer from the Kogi State Internal Revenue Service, a credit of ₦74,378,483.20.
“The second entry on December 6, 2016 is a cheque paid to Mohammed Jami’u Sallau in the sum of ₦10,000,000, my Lord,” the witness said.
When asked whether the column stated the purpose of the payment, the witness answered, “No, my Lord. Sorry, my Lord, looking at the narration, I would not decide the reason for the payment.”
He added that the same applied to another credit entry of ₦10,000,000 in favour of Mohammed Jami’u Sallau.
Z.B. Abbas then cross-examined the witness on behalf of A.M. Aliyu, SAN, counsel to the 3rd defendant.
Abbas asked whether all withdrawals made by the 3rd defendant were by cheque. The witness answered, “Yes, my Lord, they were cheque withdrawals. He further confirmed that the cheques were duly signed by the authorised signatories. Abbas also asked if Exhibit X1 was the statement of account of the Government House account, to which the witness responded in the affirmative.
On Exhibit X2, Abbas asked whether the 3rd defendant had been introduced to the bank as a civil servant and accountant. The witness answered, “Yes, my Lord, he is an accountant.”
Abbas then suggested that the 3rd defendant was merely carrying out his duty as an accountant. This drew an objection from prosecution counsel, Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, who argued that the witness was not a civil servant working for the Kogi State Government and therefore could not testify to that fact.
Justice Anineh sustained the objection.
When asked about the signatories to the account, the witness listed three individuals: Chris Onyepola, Permanent Secretary; Onyechukwu Daniel L., Chief Accountant; and Abdulsalami Hudu, Accountant.
“These three individuals are the signatories to the account,” the witness confirmed.
Pressed further on transactions dated February 19, 2016, the witness stated that there was an inflow from UBA for a Police Reform Programme or payment of security fund amounting to ₦10,000,000 per tranche, made in six tranches, totalling ₦60,000,000.He further explained that on May 3, 2016, there was an inflow with the narration “payment of sec/fund” dated February 24, 2016, amounting to ₦50,000,000, followed by another transfer for payment of “sec fund” in the same amount.
The witness confirmed that after these inflows, the 3rd defendant made withdrawals. He also testified that on September 14, 2016, there were two inflows of ₦50,000,000 each, totalling ₦100,000,000, and that the 3rd defendant made a withdrawal the following day.
On September 20, 2016, he said there were two tranches of ₦10,000,000 and ₦15,000,000 described as “His Excellency Special Sec Vote.”
Similarly, on September 22, 2016, there was an inflow of ₦50,000,000 followed by a withdrawal by the 3rd defendant. Asked to confirm whether Exhibit X1 originated from Zenith Bank, the witness replied, “It came from our bank.”
He added that while abbreviations are standard in banking, he did not know the meaning of “sec” as it was not a term used by their bank.
On August 9, 2016, the witness confirmed there was an inflow of ₦50,000,000, after which the 3rd defendant made withdrawals. He also stated that on August 18, 2016, six withdrawals were made by one Umar Comfort, and that another withdrawal by the same individual occurred on August 23, 2016. When asked whether the first defendant was the only person operating the Government House account, the witness answered, “No.” Following the conclusion of the cross-examination, Pinheiro said the prosecution had no re-examination and applied that the witness be discharged. He also informed the court that the prosecution had a short witness from Keystone Bank to be called as Prosecution Witness Seven (PW7).PW7, Mohammed Bello Hassan, was thereafter sworn in. Led in evidence by Kayode Enitan, SAN, the witness identified himself as an executive trainee with Keystone Bank. He told the court he appeared pursuant to a subpoena.
The prosecution tendered the subpoena, certificate of identification, and the statement of account of Dantata and Sawoe Construction covering January 1 to December 31, 2021. Counsel to the 3rd defendant objected, stating that reasons would be given later.
The documents were admitted in evidence and marked accordingly.
Referring to Exhibit Z1, Enitan asked the witness to confirm whether the statement had columns and narrations. The witness said it had seven columns. Drawing his attention to page two, the witness confirmed that on February 17, 2021, there were several credit entries of ₦10,000,000 each. He further confirmed that entries on February 18, 21 and 22, 2021, were also credits of ₦10,000,000 each.
Explaining the narrations, the witness said that on February 17, 2021, Maigari Murtala transferred ₦10,000,000 in six tranches, totaling ₦60,000,000.
He added that Yusuf Mubarak transferred ₦10,000,000 on February 17, another ₦10,000,000 on February 21, and ₦10,000,000 on February 22. “In total, there were nine transfers of ₦10,000,000 each by Maigari Murtala and one transfer of ₦10,000,000 by Yusuf Mubarak, making ₦100,000,000,” the witness confirmed.
Under cross-examination by J.B. Daudu, SAN, the witness said he had been an executive trainee for two years and worked in the marketing department. He admitted that he was not the account officer of Dantata and Sawoe and that he was sent by the bank to comply with the subpoena. He also said he did not personally know Maigari Murtala or Yusuf Mubarak.
Under further cross-examination by counsel to the 3rd defendant Aliyu, the witness stated that he had never encountered the name Abdulmumini Hudu, did not know when the account was opened, and was unaware of the account signatories.
With no re-examination, PW7 was discharged. Enitan then called Prosecution Witness Eight (PW8), Gabriel Ocha, a compliance officer with FCMB, No.4, Gwani Street, Wuse Zone 4, Abuja. He also appeared under subpoena, bringing along a certificate of compliance and other documents covering the period from January 1, 2018, to December 31, 2024, in respect of Kunfayakun Global Limited.
Counsel to the 3rd defendant objected to the admissibility of the documents, reserving reasons for later. Nevertheless, the court admitted them and marked them as Exhibits AA (subpoena), AB1 (certificate of identification) and AB2 (account opening package).
Led by Enitan, the witness explained that the statement of account had seven columns, representing date, reference, description, value date, deposit, withdrawal and balance. Referring to page seven of the statement, the witness read an entry dated November 1, 2021, showing a debit of ₦30,000,000 from Kunfayakun Global Limited in favour of the American International School for Abdul Bashir.
He further testified that on November 1, 2021, there were three web transfers of ₦10,000,000 each, credited from Haruna Gana and Haruna Gaddafi, totalling ₦30,000,000.
He also confirmed a NIBSS transfer on the same date from Behamas Global Ventures in the sum of ₦25,959,000.
On November 2, 2021, the witness said there were transfers of ₦10,000,000, ₦10,000,000 and over ₦8,000,000 to Zadakkayak Global.
After cross-examination by counsel to the defendants, the prosecution called Prosecution Witness Nine (PW9), A.D. Ojoma, a compliance officer with Sterling Bank. He also appeared under subpoena with a certificate of compliance and the statement of account of Bespoke Business Solutions Limited.
While counsel to the 1st and 2nd defendants did not object to the admissibility of the documents, counsel to the 3rd defendant objected, reserving reasons for later.
Led in evidence by Pinheiro, the witness identified several credit entries, including a transaction of over ₦57 million on March 5, 2019.
On April 3, 2019, he identified a credit entry described as “NAFFS Kogi State payment commission for March 2019,” from the Kogi State Internal Revenue Service, amounting to ₦138,492,215.91.
He also identified another credit entry on May 3, 2019, described as “NAFFS Kogi State 2019,” from the Kogi State Internal Revenue Service, in the sum of ₦136,809,102.70.
On August 6, 2019, the witness said there was a credit entry from the Kogi State Internal Revenue Service for payment of contractors amounting to ₦183,645,647.31. He further testified that on August 15, 2019, there was a credit entry of ₦242,250,000 for the purchase of OBPEH.
Justice Maryanne Anineh thereafter adjourned the matter till Friday, January 16, 2026, for continuation of trial.
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January 15, 2026